KENTSTAYCATION
TIMELESS OPULENCE AT
CHILSTON PARK HOTEL
ARRIVAL AT THE BEAUTIFULLY ELEGANT CHILSTON PARK IS WOW-FACTOR FROM THE MOMENT YOU TURN OFF THE QUIET COUNTRY LANE FROM LENHAM , A SMALL VILLAGE BETWEEN MAIDSTONE AND ASHFORD , AND INTO THE WINDING ANCIENT TREE-LINED DRIVEWAY . THE MOMENT YOU STEP INSIDE , HOWEVER , IS PURE HISTORIC AWE . BY SAMANTHA READY
Our arrival on a rare British summer ’ s day , i . e . one that featured actual sunshine , meant that the 77 acres of parkland that are home to this beautifully restored Grade I country house were flooded with glorious rays of light , all dancing across the crystal clear lake to a backdrop of gentle ‘ baas ’ from the adjoining field ’ s bouncing lambs and the occasional swooping hawk to complete the ‘ you ’ ve arrived in the Kentish countryside ’ checklist .
The Georgian manor house , once home to the Viscount of Chilston , has stood in its picturesque setting since the 17th century . Today , it serves as one of two Kentish outposts of the acclaimed Handpicked Hotels group , renowned for their restored heritage buildings , 2 AA Rosette dining and exclusive wine lists .
Check in was seamless , friendly and courteous , and we had the pleasure of staying in Queen Anne , one of the seven feature bedrooms found in the main manor house reached via the grand split staircase . Offering the perfect blend of period features and contemporary comforts , we were instantly wowed by the intricate cornicing of its high ceilings , impressed by antique furnishings and inspired by rich fabrics . Here , each detail speaks of the hotel ’ s storied past , while the luxurious bedding , modern bathroom , and high-speed WiFi ensures every modern need is met .
Now , rising to a mighty 5ft 3 ( and a half !), I have always understood my height
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